Which statement best describes the difference between a fact and an opinion in a text?

Which statement best describes the difference between a fact and an opinion in a text?

• A. Facts can be proven; opinions reflect beliefs or judgments.
• B. Facts are always based on feelings.
• C. A fact can be proven; an opinion reflects a belief or judgment.
• D. Opinions can be proven by data.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is telling apart what can be proven from what expresses a personal belief. A fact is something that can be proven with evidence or measurement. An opinion is a belief or judgment that reflects a person’s feelings or perspective, not something that can be proven in the same objective way. That’s why the statement that a fact can be proven and an opinion reflects a belief or judgment is the best fit. It crisply captures the verifiable nature of facts and the subjective nature of opinions. For example, “Water freezes at 0°C at sea level” is a fact you can prove with observation, while “vanilla is the best ice cream flavor” is an opinion based on personal preference. The other options mix ideas in less precise ways. Saying facts are based on feelings confuses evidence with emotion, and claiming opinions can be proven by data treats opinions like facts rather than beliefs or judgments.

The main idea here is telling apart what can be proven from what expresses a personal belief. A fact is something that can be proven with evidence or measurement. An opinion is a belief or judgment that reflects a person’s feelings or perspective, not something that can be proven in the same objective way.

That’s why the statement that a fact can be proven and an opinion reflects a belief or judgment is the best fit. It crisply captures the verifiable nature of facts and the subjective nature of opinions. For example, “Water freezes at 0°C at sea level” is a fact you can prove with observation, while “vanilla is the best ice cream flavor” is an opinion based on personal preference.

The other options mix ideas in less precise ways. Saying facts are based on feelings confuses evidence with emotion, and claiming opinions can be proven by data treats opinions like facts rather than beliefs or judgments.